Ever wonder what it’s really like, in the heat of a firefight, where the next moment could be your last, where time slows to a crawl, your senses are heightened, and you become less sensitive to other things at the same time? This is such an account.

My recollection is that there was a push to take Fallujah early on, then we let political considerations interfere, and the effort was halted. Later, the battle was on. Flyers and leaflets were dropped on the city leading up to the attack, warning citizens to leave. The enemy stronghold was surrounded, and those leaving were searched and released. Those who stayed? Considered the enemy, and were to be subdued one way or another.

Bellavia’s book details how the physical structure of the Iraqi homes made almost every one like a little fortress with a stone wall and building structures. Each one had to be cleared before moving on, and where their Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1 tanks could not go, men had to move in on foot, into the traps laid by other men who were waiting, and willing to die. No, hoping to die. Watch.